Julia's Physical assessment

 This will be my final post.  

Julia has flakey feet, long body 20.5 inches, fully relaxed ankles and is small for her age. 

This all points to post dates, as anticipated. 

She has hair, intense eyes and an eager and capable suck is just plain sweet. 

As a member of the Melcher side of the family, she is smallest yet.

Also the longest gestation of any Melcher family baby. 

She weighed in at ....Drum roll... 7 pounds 4 ounces!! Wow, newborn clothes will fit, newborn diapers will fit!! Very exciting.  We have all had greater than 8 pounds, I believe. I'll get the corrections tomorrow. 

Anyway, she is a cute as a bug, vigorous cry and there just isn't anything like being at a birth to make your year, unless it is two births!! We are off to Sacramento to witness another miracle. 

Where is a photo?  We have taken 10,000 photos, but I can't seem to get any to upload.  Take a look at Facebook or Instagram I'm sure there will be 100's there soon. 

Sorry, I am signing off. 

A great birth, A great day. And a great birthday!!

Tucked in at 3:30 pm

 What a wild last minutes. I will go back and correct/fill in some of the empty spaces, but just wanted to say that from the minute Diana Johnson and Craig's family walked in, Natlie propelled that baby out like a torpedo. The water broke, and she screamed, and Kylie jumped in the water, caught the baby and that was it. 

Baby was a bit depressed at the first, but rallied well with just simulation and a bit of puffing from Natalie. 

Nat and baby were tucked in for a bit of food and a nap around 3:30, so we came home. Sorry that the blog didn't update as fast as I would have hoped. 

First moments.

 Karen is helping wrap the baby and Kylie is finding her place as "baby holder"  it is beautiful. Placenta is coming. 

3:18 Kylie is holding Julia for the first time

 As Natalie delivers the placenta, Kylie tries her skills at comforting the new little one. 

It is so nice. She will be the best big sister. Baby Julia already can feel the love of her big sister. 

3:16 Cooper cut the chord

 In the spirit of the "family birth" Cooper jumped in and cut the cord in one cut. 

The Johnson's walked in and Julia arrived!!

 One contraction and the bag broke and baby came in a flush of fluid. And Julia was here. 

She needed a bit of support, a few puffs from Natalie and a bit of rubbing, but she now she is pink and just a bit raspy. That fluid will absorb into her lungs in a few hours. 

What a wonderful relief and so quick at the end. Natalie is such a champ and just guided that baby out. 

Baby seems tiny, but won't be weighed until everything is settled. 

Covered in meconium.

 Big head and little body, but soooooo cute.  

Suctioning, but  her color is good,  lots of hair

A few puffs of air to improve her color

Took a bit of encouragement.

  Julia was a bit reluctant to give up her warm and secure spot inside Natalie. She needed some rubbing and encouragement before she let out  a lusty cry,  now she is doing great.

2:45 She is here!!!!

 Dianna and the Jonsons arrived at 2:40 and one contraction and the water broke and she is here. Meconium and all. A bit blue at the beginning. Ky jumped into the tub and that was it, she was here. 

2:45 contraction

 First contraction with Diana in the room, lots of sound (screaming) coming out of Natalie!!!

We are having a baby! The water broke. Natlie yelled, Kylie jump in and catch her! The water broke she is coming! 

Diana just arrived

 No doubt they all jumped in the car and drove like mad from Porterville. 

This was the big advantage of Saturday morning. 

So happy the Johnson's made it. 

2:40 contractions Sorry about the caps, just an accident

Just quietly waiting.  Nat seems to be sleeping between contractions. Ky is rubbing her eyes and Sheridan is leaning agains the tub with her eyes closed. 

Maybe we imagined this would be faster than it is. 

How could wi think that, this is Julia, the master of slow. 

2:35 Back in the water, back in the zone

 Baby's heart rate is 120-130 perfect. It seems like a long time, but this is birth, no way to hurry or make it happen. 

2:30 contractions: Discussing standing, rotating hips and moving

 Some problem solving happening. Nat has tried 3 different positions with contractions. 2:30 contraction standing. 

"Let her come, let her come, let her come". 

2:27 contraction standng.

 "Come on, come on". A short one, 35 seconds. 

Standing and peeing.

 Baby seems higher when she stands up. 

2:24 Contractoin

 Kylie is putting her cool hands on Nat's face, Sheridan and Craig are holding her hands. she wants to work the baby down if she can. She is prone again in the tub. 

Length 1:19 sec

2:20 contraction squatting in the water.

 Nat is remembering how Wes didn't move until his bag was broken. Maybe Julia will need some help eventually. Right now, Nat can feel her head with her fingers, but she isn't moving down.  

2:17 contraction on her knees

I'm putting the time signature on the posts, so you can check in every three or four contractions if you like. Or you can ride the waves with us. 

Julia's Heart rate 130 

Craig has added some warm water to the tub, Nat is feeling it and finding it so relaxing. 

Trying to shift the pressure a bit. "Come on baby...."

That one was 1 minute. 

She is feeling like she can push a bit at the end of the contraction. She said she doesn't' have the "urge" yet, but would like to help Julia move down by giving her a little push. 

2:13 contraction

The smooth and gradual increasing of the length of contraction along with the increasing space between contractions seems to be a nice pattern to preserve her energy ,while moving the baby and giving baby a chance to rotate through the 3 turns required to find the exit. 

Everything seems to be advancing as expected. No surprises so far. 

Length- 45 seconds. 

2:05 Contraction Cloud cover

The tone in the room is very "early morning- ish".  

    That one was 45 seconds.  

The typical bright and hot sunlight is not creeping into the kitchen today.  The cloud cover gives a nice glow to everything. 

Sorry for the play-by-play intermixed with my impressions.  It is the nurse in me that follows  by following the contractions.

tIf you just jumped in, this is Carol, Nat's mom ,who is "in the room where it happens". Just keeping family and friends up to date and I hope to bring you into the room for this amazing moment. 

2:09 contraction 

34 seconds.

2:00 contraction

 With popsicles in mouths. Ky, Craig and Sheridan support Natalie. It was 40 seconds. 

Now she is moving from side to side in the tub and trying to find a comfortable position.

1:56 Contraction

 Sitting up in the tub, her position is definitely different than previous contractions. This one lasted 1 min 15 seconds. Getting a bit stronger and longer. It is strange to not report out to Nat about the length and frequency of the contractions.  In the hospital, the entire room watches the monitor, discusses the trying elements of the contraction, everyone makes predictions, assessment and decisions about the monitor strip.  But here and now, it is just in the back ground. Nice to kow, but it has leterally no significance to her or the  baby. They are on their own path, and the length and size of the steps is irrelevant. 

152 Contraction

 45 second contraction. "Not too bad"

Time to move around

 New positions are a positive things. Baby is moving and so is Nat. 

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation errors.

 Where is auto correct when you need it?

Trying to keep up. 

Consistent baby heart rate of 132-144- Contractions 1:48

 The contractions are coming in pretty strong. Seems that she gets a bit behind them sometimes. And has to jump in to ride them. The seem to be getting a little longer. but hovering around 1 minute. 

1:44 contractoin

 This is a strong one, Kylie got me back on the computer for this one. 

The photos appear that everyone is tired. But I would call it, leaning into the relaxation, and resisting the urge to celebrate.  

1:40 contraction

 "Here she comes"  That was a longer one.  No idea where Julia is at in her journey. They don't do the routine checks that both aggravate and sometimes terrify everyone.  The assumption is that all is well. 

1:37 contraction

 "It is not Pain, It is not Pain, she is coming, she is coming, It is not pain. She is coming. "

Ky got a hand squeeze through that one, she says she can take it. 

Bag of water hasn't broken yet.

 Nat is flushed, chatting about the bag of water. Baby is happy.

1:33 contraction

It is easy to get emotional with Karen here, the baby coming, the clouds in the sky keeping the heat at bay.  49 second contraction. 

And regular contractions happening as we have all been hoping for since Labor Day. 

1:29 contraction

 The sound of the fan whirring in the corner is all I hear. Kylie is standing by my side as Craig and Sheridan hold Nat's hans through the hardest part of the contractions.  That one was 1 minute 2 seconds. I have my stopwatch going. 

1:26 contration

 They continue to last about a minute and come about every 3 minutes. It sounds like alot, but Nat seems to be quite comfortable and able to rest a bit in between.  

Peaceful moments

 For 9 people in the kitchen,  it sure is silent. 

Julia's Heart rate 120 by dopler.

1:22 contraction.

All going perfectly. 

 

From Kylie

 I'm so excited!!!! Can't wait to meet my little sister. 

1:19 contraction

 

Deep and starting to get louder. The extended ahhhhhh! tells me she is really working. Still lastin ga minute. 

Karen's calmness fills the room

 So happy to see her. Everyone has hugs for Karen the life blood of the midwifery world. 

What a blessing for her to dedicate her Saturday to Natalie and Julia.

1:16 contraction for Karen!!!

 Can't hold back the tears.  She always said, I can't have a baby without Karen. And here she is.!!

Another magical moment. 

Assessment in process

BP as been normal

Baby's HR has been perfect. 

I don't know what the measure are, they are so quiet and don't announce anything. 

Karen just arrived!!! Tears are flowing. 

When can the boys come?

Nat thinks baby is about 2 inches below the cervix. Maybe + 2 station?  That is my guess. Anyway, head is coming through. Labor is manageable. She is very quiet and relaxed between contractions and seems very comfortable. 

1:08 contraction

 The midwife and Sheridan are stepping in for Craig as he goes outside for find a rock!  Yes, a rock to hold the underwater camera down under the water. 

So far Nat is driving the show

 The midwives are here, the photographer is here, but so far, no one has spoken to Nat or interfered in her process in any way. This always amazes me. 

They whisper to each other as they set up and are so respectful of her needs. 

A true miracle

 It is so powerful to be in the room with magic happening.  I am so privileged to have experienced this so many times in my life. I am amazed and awed by the power of birth. 

1:00 contraction

 They are setting up the equipment for resuscitation if needed. 

Craig is continuing as main support.

All is silent and Kylie just sits near the tub and watches. 

One-minute contractions continue

This process is pretty timeless, so I have no idea how often they are coming. 

12:57 another contraction

 Midwife is here, with her assistant. 

12:54 Contraction beginning

Nat is fan for a fan, the warm water has her sweating. Her face shows how eager and welcoming she feels about baby Julia Still 1-minute contractions. 

Julia is definitely on her way

 

Nat tells Craig how helpful it is to have him squeeze her hands. A drink of water after the contraction. She is doing a self exam to see if she can get a sense of the baby's position. Can feel the head, but can't feel any cervix.

What!! No cervix!  It may still not be complete, but she can't feel it, so at least it is opening pretty quickly. 

Kylie is providing cool cloths for Nat's head. 

They are Teasing Nat about Karen hiding behind the door. Craig says, "Come on in."

12:52 another contraction. 

The Carriage House shower was great

 It has two nozzles and she is reflecting on how great that felt.  A cool wash cloth on her forehead and just waiting for the next wave. 

12:46 contraction begins. To Craig, please squeeze my hands. 

"Come on baby"  

Still chatting between contractions.

 It is nice to hear Sheridan, Nat and Craig laughing. Nat saying: "Not doing this again" .

But still the mood is light and the kitchen definitely feels like the right space for this baby. 

Baby is taking a break to enjoy the warm water and the popsicle!

 Now that she is in the tub, the contractions have paused.  Update, you know the water is hot, when the pee feels cold. 

Another contraction at 12:42

Lasting about a minute, hard to tell, Nat is very quiet and smiling. 

12:38

 Enjoying a popsicle. Two contractions in the last few minutes. "Daughters Day", the lighting is great and no one had to wake up.  Perfect timing for the 4th child. 

12:35

 Nat is in the tub. Sheridan is filming, Ky is smiling, and has changed form her nice cloths to her, getting into the water clothes. 

No sounds yet, just focused smiling and relaxation.  Craig is holding her hands and all seems perfect. 

Here we go!!!!!

 Midwife is here, photographer is here, Sheridan and Ky are in attendance. 

About to get into the tub

The temps seems perfect.

12:34 into the tub.

The house is quiet, boys are wiht Gene.

Here she goes.  

It may be labor!!

 

Nat just got out of the shower. Contractions are still irregular, with long pauses, but she has had a few series that feel like the real deal.

Craig said she is getting to the "Leave me alone" stage, which seems like very good news.  Coopie and Wes and with us. Gene is playing games with them and we just had lunch. 

This feels very different than the long night labor while everyone slept. 

I'll start some regular blogging in about an hour, assuming the labor pattern stabilizes. 

Keep your positive thoughts and prayers coming. 

Carol

Update from Carol

 

I am so happy to see that Natalie is starting to communicate via this blog. I'll let her continue and pick up when she is ready to release the reigns.

Signing off for now.

Carol

Morning Walk

Craig and I watched The Office early this morning as the sun came up. Sheridan was down in SD and drove home this morning, once she got here we took a walk to Panera Bread, got some breakfast and just walked back home. I had a handful of contractions along the way and we plan to walk a little more to keep them coming. Craig just took the kids to Coopers first cross-country meet at Sylvan park just a few minutes away. I am sad to miss his first meet, but glad to have some activity happening. 

When we got home from our walk I went to the bathroom, I had a little more bloody show and decided to check myself (the former labor and delivery nurse in me is so curious to know more about what’s going on inside :) ) , it feel like I am about 4.5-5cm, I can feel my cervix easily and feel her little head. Sheridan just told me it is National Daughter Day! I hope I get to meet my sweet new daughter today <3 <3 

-Natalie 

No updates

 

Still hoping something is happening,  but Gene is getting ready to go to Cooper's first track meet, and I am managing the kitchen without a kitchen sink (plumbing issue, waiting for part).

Will post if we hear anything. 

Carol

Update from Natalie…

 Good morning. Just wanted to jump in here and give a quick update from this morning. I was woken up with a somewhat strong contraction in the middle of the night, went to the bathroom and back to sleep, it happened a couple more times, about an hour apart each time. Around 3am I had another and the next few came about 15 minutes apart. I updated my midwife team and let them know that there might be something happening but I would keep them updated. By about 4:30 I went to the bathroom and had a little bit of mucus plug come out, yay. I have had a couple more contractions, they are strong but not close together and not unmanageable. I still feel like they could disappear and come back later tonight, but we will see. Craig is getting all the connections figured out to fill the birth tub, but not sure we will fill it yet. 

To be continued…

-Natalie 

A few strong contractions

Dear Julia Watchers, 

Just heard from Natalie that she has "had a few contractions and will keep us posted". We are up and doing our best to stay calm and not over-react!!!

So nice to get that text today!  Seems like every morning, for weeks, we have been waiting for those words. 

Will keep you posted.  September 25, 2021 seems like a perfect birthday!

Carol

No changes

Natalie will do another acupuncture today. That is the routine sequence of treatments. We are getting a light rain in Redlands, which is always welcome. 

Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing to "write home about". 

Nat is enjoying her day with friends and a walk to the Market. 

Love to all,

Carol

No new news

 For those of you who are heading out to work or play for the day and just want to know how Natlie and Julia's night went.

I have heard nothing. Assuming is was quiet. 

Have a nice day.

I know a few of you are hoping for a "weekend baby",  so you can make a quick trip to Redlands. 

I'll keep you posted. 

Appreciate your kind thoughts,

Love,

Carol

No Baby Yet

 

Hi all, 

Nat's midwife will be inviting a few reserves onto the team tomorrow.  Due to the tardiness of Julia's birth, her original midwife has some conflicts and wants to ensure a smooth transition in case she isn't available  to guide Natalie and Julia through birth. 

Nat's long-time friend and the midwife, Karen, who ushered Kylie, Cooper and Wes into the world, will be in the wings along with a few others. 

No other news from this front. Natalie and baby are feeling good, staying cool on these hot days, baby is really active. Nat was a bit uncomfortable during the day, but no contractions. 

How does tomorrow's date measure up as a birthday?  9/24/2021...  I got nothing! Though Julia is getting very close to being a "birthday buddy" with Owen, Sheridan's son. 

Keep us in your thoughts,

Carol

Second acupuncture treatment

Gene and I have the kids so Natalie can get a little nap. She has had her acupuncture this morning and chiropractic this afternoon and also worked on cleaning up the attic.

So, a good day. We can see smoke coming over the mountains, maybe a fire. Looks very orange and dark. But our air quality is still good.

Baby is so active you can see her from across the room.

If Natalie is ready to go into labor, the acupuncture might push her over, if she isn't, it will just make her feel more comfortable. 

Keep sending your good thoughts, 

Love

Carol

Good morning

 

Here is the essence of my text from Nat.  "Can Either of you come to do school this morning? I am feeling more uncomfortable this morning. Yay"

Gene is already there. 

Note, she is not contracting, nothing is happening that looks like labor, just some discomfort, which is new. 

Also, Natalie is feeling so much external pressure to have this baby, please refrain from checking in with her this morning. She is really trying to get into herself and put all of the expectations, pressure and other ideas out of her head.  

Having said that, if she gets into labor, I'll post that here and, knowing my daughter, I am sure she will welcome check-ins from all of you. 

I will try to update this about every 4-6 hours today.  

So, for now, no labor but a welcome discomfort.

Love and be safe,

Carol

A good day

 

Just looked at Natalie's last Instagrams. Sounds like she and Sheridan had some quiet time in the Carriage House.  A nice walk in the coolish evening after a busy, but good day. 

Baby is active and seems happy, Natalie feels good, strong and patient. 

Every day we check how we can "relate to the date": Today is 9/22/2021  If you add the last 6 numbers you get the first. Not sure that is as memorable as 9/21/21 but it will do. 

We will check in the morning. 

Acupuncture

All is well, 

Nat got an acupuncture treatment this afternoon. She described it as relaxing, nice. 

Her midwife, Katy, Sheridan, and all of the kids gathered for her home visit just as we were leaving this afternoon. 

I did the math related to the "Average Length of Gestation for the Melcher Family". It turns out to be 41 weeks. No surprise.  So I am pretty convinced that Little Julia is a bit of an outlier, but not a rebel. 

Stay tuned,

Carol

More details of today's results

 

Specifics for results of Bio Physical Profile

Weight 8 pounds, 1 ounce (very large variability this late in pregnancy)

She measured full term 

Lots of amniotic fluid, regular underwater breathing, and heart rate (134) all, just as they should be. 

Official report will be later. 

We also looked back at our family history of gestational lengths and are reassured.

Natalie was 41 weeks and 1 day

Graham was 39 weeks and 2 days

Melissa was 42 weeks 2 days (induction without labor)

Kylie was 41 weeks and 5 days

Cooper was 41 and 3 days

Wes was 40 weeks

Sammy was 40 and 6 days- (he broke Melissa's water without labor)

Liza was 41 weeks

Lizzie was 40 weeks

So, if you are into the genetic/familial patterns of birth. This seems really reassuring. 

We are the "Late Family" and Julia is trying to push the limits a bit. 

She continues to teach us patience.

Carol

No contractions, no labor yet.

 

Gene and I were glad to be able to help a bit today.  Turns out, 4th grade math can be pretty challenging. 

We got enlightened that our "new math", is now considered "old math".  I'm better with babies:(

I enjoyed lunch out with the kids,  and hanging out for the day.  

Natalie  had chats with friends and her sister. 

No news is all I got. 

Biophysical Profile shows Julia is just perfect!

 

Nat just had a Biophysical profile by ultrasound to day around 1:30. She just wants to be sure Julia is in tip top shape since her dates are a bit questionable.  She looks good fluid, good movement, good heart rate variability and no indication that she is in any distress. 

As predicted, I am happy to report that she is doing fine.

Carol

Not even one contraction:(

Today, Natalie and kids went to their "Community Home School Group" that meets once a week. 

Nat was sure, last week, that she would be carrying a newborn in her arms by today.  Instead, baby Julia is still bouncing around in her water world. 

The kids are all very eager to meet their little sister.

To our disappointment, the full moon came and went, and Baby Johnson was literally "un-moved". 

Baby and Natalie continue to be full of energy and eager to meet.

Still waiting for our Fall baby

 

Good morning,

I just spoke with Natalie. She said, "The closest thing to starting labor was in a dream last night." 

Baby is low and Natalie can feel that her head is engaged and resting on her cervix.  But no contractions at all and no other signs that baby is going to appear on  9/21/21. Darn, I like the birthday numbers that are easy for my old brain to remember.

Interesting note: Everyone in the Melcher extended family was born during an even year. This baby is our first "odd" one.  

Nat feels pretty confident that nothing will happen today, since all of her previous labors have started at night. 

So, Nat will do school with the kids,  zoom with her Carriage House Group and continue to learn the lesson of patience. 

Keep your positive thoughts coming,

Carol

 

Good morning, still pregnant

Nat's post this morning...

Slept well, no signs of labor. Just having a good Monday, school with the kids,  Craig is out on a bike ride. 

Maybe tonight?!?!

Stay tuned.

Full moon!?!?!?

 Hello everybody,

Nat's post at 9 pm last night. 

Kids were playing soccer in the living room. Taking advantage of mom's reclined and "too tired to care" moment. 

Nat saw her midwife on Sunday. She has home visits about every other day. 

Baby's heart rate is good, Nat's BP is good, blood glucose is good, no swelling in hands or feet, fundal measure was lower and baby feels deeper in her pelvis, belly dropped a bit. Still moving a lot. 

Monday night Nat will go with Kylie to get Sushi under the full moon and try to recreate the environment that prompted Kylie's birth 9 years ago. 

Everyone is hopeful that the Harvest moon will do the trick for Nat, but not for her sister, who is now full term and baby is sitting pretty low. No idea what we will do if both babies decide to take advantage of the pull of the moon. 

Final note from Nat:

Every night, as the kids go to bed, Cooper gives Nat and baby a kiss and says "Good night Jules", I love you, see you tomorrow, maybe out maybe in". 

Please keep Nat, Melissa and the babies in your thoughts and prayers.

Carol

Feeling great, no contractions

 Message from Nat:

Tomorrow is the full moon, both Kylie and Cooper came on full moons, so maybe this baby will decide to come on the full moon.

A few Braxton -Hicks contractions, but nothing real.  

Note from Carol

If you want a wake-up call when labor starts. Just text "anytime" to me at (909) 556-2350 and I will put you on the "call/text  anytime" list. OR!!!  Check onto this blog anytime and look for updates. As soon as Gene and I are called, I will start doing updates here. 

We will also have the "birth day portal" close at hand, so you can send your well wishes via portal if you like. 

I'm crossing my fingers XXXX.

Carol

I don know!!

 

Dear family and friends,

I have been gathering my updates from Natalie's Instagram posts. 

She does this thing where she dubs in another voice, possibly from a movie, to speak for her. It is pretty funny, so I have written today's conversation here. 

You may recognize the "I don know" line.  And yes, it is "don" not "don't".

Are you still pregnant? 

Yeah...

When is the baby coming? 

I don know...

Do you think it will be tonight? 

I don know...

Isn't she getting too big? 

I don know...

Will you do anything to try and make it happen? 

I don know...

Were your dates correct? 

I don know...

Do you think she will come on the full moon? 

I don know...

I think that about says it all:) 

Carol

If you want to see it in person, Nat's Instagram is Standing_ so_ tall 

Very active baby

Natalie posted some great videos (instagram) of the little girl doing flips.  As I recall,  babies settled down and save their energy as they get closer to birth.  So this little one may be telling us that she is not yet ready for the journey. 

Nat is doing the last minute things like: getting her nails done,  organizing the bathroom, and soliciting the guys to install a new toilet. Just the usual weekend jobs. 

We are all excited to meet the newest member of our family. 

Carol

Good night, waiting for the full moon

 Just wanted to give another update. Natalie had a great day, went to get snow cones with Sheridan and the girls. Baby is moving like crazy.  No labor happening. 

The temperature outside is cooling down and the weekend is upon us. 

I saw that the kids and friends have made a bunch of great labor flags with inspiring notes and words of encouragement, along with a few superhero drawings and modern art pieces.  The flags are being hung in strategic places to help Natalie focus and feel supported as she approaches the day.

For those of you tracking Melissa's progress. She is doing great, her house is undergoing a remodel, so the demo is a bit of a mess. She gets a nice break three mornings a week when her two little ones go off to pre-school.  She is not sure what to do with her extra time, but in a few weeks the baby will fill the hours quite nicely. 

I am hoping both babies don't choose the full moon to make their move. 

Keep up your kind thoughts and send positive energy for my girls. 

Carol

Good morning, still pregnant

House cleaner got the house in great shape. Moved the birthing tub into the kitchen. Went Country Western dancing with Craig, while kidos hung out with Ama and Pappa. 

It was a great day. 

September 16-

Greetings from Carol,

A beautiful and cool day today. Talked with Natalie this morning and all is perfect.  Baby is happy just  hanging out. And Natalie's blood pressure, etc is all good. 

Nat's goal over the next weeks is to just enjoy the magic of her pregnancy and let her body and the baby decide when they will activate labor. 

Midwife Karen reminded Nat, and I am reminding everyone else,  her "due date" was a guess. She only had one period following her last miscarriage. 

She has decided to move the birth location into the house, opposed to the Carriage House, since the Carriage House still smells and feels new and no curtains. And perhaps a bit of nostalgia surrounding having all four births in the kitchen.  

There are always mind games playing in our heads as the birth becomes more imminent.  Luckily, Natalie has a great midwifery team to guide her.  

 I'm off to play!! 

September 14 -41 weeks plus 2 days

Natalie went to her chiropractor appointment yesterday.  She is hoping it will be her last. The temperature is climbing towards 100 again. Every day we hope to see the end of our Summer and on to cooler, signs of Fall.  Maybe the baby is waiting for a crisp Fall morning to arrive. 

Carol

September 13 Update

 Hi from Carol,

Gene and I helped Nat move attic stuff this morning, glad she is willing to ask for help and stands back while we do the heavy lifting. 

No sign of baby. Natalie is full of "nesting" energy. Managing the attic clean up, checking in on a Plexus call, and hosting Sheridan and kids for the morning school session. 

A very busy house and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Johnson 4.0. 

9 days past due date by my calculation. 

Welcome Back

This is Carol, translating Natalie's Instagram posts so you can get daily updates about her progress.

September 4, 2021

Due date!  Luckily, my little one decided to be "late" so I could do a photo shoot on my due date!

September 10, 2021

Wild time at the pool today. Thunderstorms, a couple episodes of downpour, and crazy wind. It was the most unique swimming adventure I have had in a long time and the kids loved it!!

Fun way to spend the afternoon when it is over 100 degrees and you are 5 days past your due date. 

September 11, 2021

Date night with the hubby. Such an amazing routine we have been in for over a year now, swapping date nights with the Ards every weekend!

We enjoyed Thai food, a sour snow cone and uninterrupted conversation. Wondering if it was our last date night before our rainbow baby arrives??

September 12, 2021

My nipples still hurt like crazy when Wes latches, but I know powering through will be worth it when I get to nurse both of them together. 

Also... nipple stimulation does not always put you into labor, trust me, I'm nursing him like crazy and I have had zero contractions! Once my body and baby are ready for labor and the oxytocin receptors are active, then nursing him will help encourage contractions, but until then, we are just soaking in the last moments of him being "the baby". 

September 12, 2021

Did you konw that induction is not alwasy successful?? But why??

Simply put, your body and baby might not be ready. The baby and body have hormonal shifts that happen before labor and if those have not happend, the body will work to keep the baby inside. 

At this point, I have not tried any forms of induction. Kylie came 12 days "late" and Cooper was 10. So I figure my body and baby are simply not ready yet. We will see how it feels as the week progresses, but I am not counting on anything working until my body is ready:)

 

Note from Carol:  Melissa is now 37 weeks and Gene and I are wondering if we might have two grand babies born on the same day. 

I am packing the car,  and emotionally preparing to welcome baby girl in Redlands and leave ASAP to welcome baby boy in Sacramento. It is both magical, wonderful and a bit surreal. 

41 and 1 still pregnant

 Here we go again!!